Patriots Journal: Brandon Spikes isn’t sorry for going it alone

Tuesday

Jun 11, 2013 at 7:52 PM

FOXBORO — Brandon Spikes is making no apologies for staying away from the Patriots voluntary workouts for the last two months. The linebacker joined the team for the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday...

By PAUL KENYON

FOXBORO — Brandon Spikes is making no apologies for staying away from the Patriots voluntary workouts for the last two months. The linebacker joined the team for the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday and pronounced himself fit and ready to go.

“I feel awesome. I feel great. I’m ready to go,” he said.

Spikes stayed home in Florida and worked out at a facility geared toward NFL players. His absence was significant because Spikes is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

“I just felt like I was trying to put myself in the best position to compete for a spot on the team and also help this team win a championship,” he said after practice. “You guys know me; I do things a little different from everybody else. I don’t think that’s bad or a shocker. Honestly, if everybody in this world was a conformist, it would be one boring place.”

“I just wanted to stay on top of my game, be on my own, be better, be productive that way,” he said.

Spikes would not comment on whether his contract situation had anything to do with his decision to stay away.

“You guys know I can’t speak on that,” he said. “No comment.”

He did say, though, that he will report to training camp as scheduled next month.

The former University of Florida star said that he had knee surgery after last season, but is feeling fine now.

“I’m way past that now. I’m feeling the best I’ve felt since I’ve been here,” he said.

His teammates had no issues with his staying away, he reported.

“I stayed in contact with some guys out here, making sure things weren’t changing in the meeting room and stuff like that,” he said. “I just wanted to stay on top of my game, and I felt like being somewhere else, on my own, I normally do better and be productive that way.”

Gators everywhere

It was a big day for Florida Gators on Tuesday as new Patriot Tim Tebow, Spikes and Aaron Hernandez all spoke after practice.

Hernandez is in an interesting situation since he is coming off shoulder surgery. He spent part of his time watching his teammates run through drills Tuesday and part of his time inside the Dana Farber Bubble working with trainers. He is not ready to play yet.

“I’m taking it day by day,” he said, “hopefully by the end I’m ready.”

Hernandez caught 51 passes last season and figures to be needed more than ever with fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski questionable for the start of the season after arm and shoulder surgery. Even so, Hernandez is not going to rush back.

“At the end of the day, you want to be healthy for the season,” he said. “You don’t want to overdo it and have it hurt you in the season. So I’m taking care of it and making sure you limit yourself and take it day-by-day.”

DeQuattro honored

Tony DeQuattro of Johnston has been selected as one of the recipients of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation’s Myra Kraft MVP for 2013.

DeQuattro is the founder and chairman of Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI). That is an organization run by a group of Vietnam Era veterans to combat veteran homelessness. DeQuattro has served in the volunteer position of president and chairman for the last 20 years and has overseen OSDRI’s growth into Rhode Island’s leading provider of housing and supportive services for homeless and at-risk veterans.

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island initially started in order to host an annual three-day military style encampment, called “Stand Down Weekend,” at which homeless and at-risk veterans could receive services, including housing assistance, clothing, food, medical services and address other basic human needs. OSDRI will host its 20th “Stand Down Weekend” Sept. 20-22 at Diamond Hill State Park in Cumberland.

OSDRI, has built and manages six facilities throughout the state, at which it provides housing to over 50 homeless disabled veterans and families. OSDRI also operates the Lance Cpl. Holly Charette House, Rhode Island’s first and only transitional housing facility for homeless female veterans.

The Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism. DeQuattro and more than a dozen others will be honored at a reception on Wednesday at 2 at The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, Foxboro, Mass. During the ceremony, the winners will be recognized for their efforts with the announcement of one grand-prize winner of $25,000, 10 second-prize winners of $10,000 and 15 third-prize winners of $5,000. The money will be awarded to the nonprofit organization for which each honoree volunteers.

Irish’ Kelly in camp

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly, a native of Everett, Mass., was a special guest at practice Tuesday. Robert Kraft

Four players were not at the practice: Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Nick McDonald and Marcus Fortson. About a dozen others spent part of practice on stationary bicycles or going to the Dana Farber Field House to work with trainers. That group included cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, who was injured at last week’s voluntary OTA.